Barbara Windsor is set to return to EastEnders for a special one-off episode later this year.The beloved British actress, who played landlady Peggy Mitchell in the soap for 16 years, left the show in 2010. She will return to Albert Square for a "very special episode" in which she comes to the aid of her eldest son Phil, played by Steve McFadden.
"It may only be a short visit, but it's a family matter and as Peggy always said 'it's all about family,'" said the 75-actress in a statement. "It's no secret how much I have always loved EastEnders and Peggy Mitchell — and by the number of times I'm constantly stopped by the great British public and asked either 'when are you coming back' or 'please say get out of my pub', it seems they have too. "Barbara's character left Walford for Portugal after her son Phil, who became a drug addict, set fire to the Queen Vic.Her return coincides with Samantha Womack reprising her role as Ronnie Mitchell.The storyline will see Phil in trouble once again as Roxy Mitchell plans her wedding to Alfie Moon.Lorraine Newman, executive producer of the show, said, "We are delighted to announce Barbara's return for a very special episode. Peggy's surprise visit is a wonderful treat for our fans, as well as the cast and crew here on EastEnders. It's great to welcome her home. "Since leaving the show, Barbara has appeared in pantomime and presented a Radio 2 series on female comics.
